Article 7 of the Directive on measures to reduce the cost of deploying high-speed electronic communications networks (2014/61/EU) introduces measures to simplify permit granting and renders it more transparent.

According to the Directive, Member States shall ensure that all relevant information on conditions and procedures for granting permits for civil works with a view on deploying high-speed communication networks is available via a Single Information Point.

Member States are encouraged to organise the application for permits by electronic means. In any event, unless national law specifically provides otherwise, any permit decision should be made within four months, save for exceptional circumstances, from the receipt of a complete permit request. Any refusal should be justified based on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory and proportionate criteria.